ABOUT
A Christian Liberal Arts Experience in Santa Barbara
Wikipedia: A classic is an outstanding example of a particular style; something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality; of the first or highest quality, class, or rank – something that exemplifies its class.
What makes Westmont classic?
Westmont College, founded in 1937, offers a classic liberal arts education that integrates faith and learning, cultivating both academic excellence and spiritual growth. Located in scenic Santa Barbara, a classic coastal city, Westmont prepares students to lead purposeful lives through local and global experiences, athletics, and a focus on whole-person development.
Westmont College Ranked
#1 Christian Liberal Arts College in California and the Western United States.
Ranked nationally by U.S. News World Report (tied at No. 108), Westmont has been one of the top two national Christian liberal arts colleges and the No. 1 Christian liberal arts college in California and the Western United States for more than two decades.
Forbes
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Money
Discover the Top Christian Liberal Arts College in California and the Western U.S.
Westmont College is an undergraduate, residential, Christian, liberal arts community serving God's kingdom by cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world.
100+MAJORS, MINORS & PROGRAMS | 11:1STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO | 1,300WESTMONT COLLEGE STUDENTS |
BEST CALIFORNIA COLLEGE TOWN | 
40+ CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS | 
15 ATHLETICS TEAMS |
Classic Liberal Arts Education
Westmont offers the best of the timeless liberal arts with students exploring the breadth of academic disciplines, from the arts to the sciences, while delving deep in their major. Highly qualified professors share their research with students and teach essential skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. All majors, including nursing, engineering and data analytics, expose students to a variety of viewpoints and encourage deeper thinking that leads to finding a meaningful purpose in life.
100%of classes are taught by faculty | 98%of faculty have | 31majors |
Classic Relationships Between Professors and Students
Professors share their knowledge and their faith in class and take time to mentor students, helping them become the people God created them to be. These essential relationships may include conducting research together, providing valuable experiences that can lead to internships, jobs and rewarding careers.
Largest Majors: Economics & Business, Kinesiology, Psychology, Biology and Communication Studies
Finding
Community.
RESIDENCE HALLS
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Experience life in a vibrant, Christ-centered community where living and learning go hand in hand. In Westmont’s residence halls, you’ll build lasting friendships, grow in your faith and learn how to live with purpose, respect and authenticity alongside others.
REFINE YOUR CHARACTER
Learn how to make difficult decisions rooted in faith and values as you explore how to live with integrity and discover deeper purpose. Dig deeper, push your faith, expand your knowledge and search your soul to understand why you believe what you believe.
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
Embrace the welcoming and wonderful community at Westmont.
Join one of Westmont’s many clubs, including:
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INTERNSHIPS & CAREER PREP
Learn to lead and serve in every sphere of society. Through classes, internships, and research with professors, you’ll get hands-on experience that takes you beyond the classroom. You’ll also be prepared for what’s ahead: 97% of our graduates are employed or attending graduate school six months after graduation!
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Like many students, you may discover that our generous assistance means you pay less at Westmont than at a public university or other independent college. Dig in to the numbers at think about where you want to invest these transformational four years.
$36 millionin grants and scholarships | 95%of new students at Westmont receive scholarships and/or grants | $1,000scholarship for 2026 applicants who visit campus |
Classic Emphasis on the Whole Person
At Westmont, you’re not just a student — you’re part of a community that feels like home. This is a place where your story matters, your voice is heard and your friendships run deep.
Whether you connect through your major, a team, a club, or something like chapel band or work study, you’ll find people who truly see you — and who walk with you every step of the way. Professors know your name. Friends become family. Even simple moments, like sharing a meal in the Dining Commons, help build lifelong bonds.
Westmont thrives on real relationships — across cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs — where you’ll grow in faith, deeper purpose and confidence. The people you meet here will shape your college experience just as much as your classes will.
These are your years to grow, explore and become who you’re meant to be. We know you’ll thrive and flourish. We can’t wait to see the story you’ll write.
We are all Westmont. And there’s a place here for you.
Classic Athletic Competition
Warrior athletes experience the heart of a champion, winning on the field and excelling in a rigorous academic environment. They’ve gained a national reputation for athletic prowess, academic achievements and service to others. Caring and capable coaches prepare athletes for challenges facing them in competition, in the classroom and after graduation, encouraging them to strive for excellence in every area of life.
10NAIA | 106GSAC | 637NAIA |
MICAH 6:8
Classic Global Perspective
Expert Westmont professors with a global focus lead international study programs that give students a deeper understanding of diverse cultures while developing multicultural competencies. These experiences enhance their adaptability, independence and cross-cultural communication skills. Living in a different culture broadens their worldview and creates lasting memories and relationships that shape their personal and professional lives.
58%
of the student body participate in off-campus programs across six continents.
Scenic Santa Barbara
A world-class destination for visitors from around the world, Santa Barbara offers both natural and architectural beauty as well as significant cultural resources and a nearly perfect climate. The Pacific Ocean, extensive beaches, soaring mountains and a beckoning backcountry provide many opportunities for recreation, discovery and adventure.
Discover the Value of Westmont
Westmont equips its graduates with the skills they need to lead and serve in all sectors of society. Students have opportunities to publish research papers with faculty, complete multiple internships and forge important networking relationships with leaders in their fields. The college has earned a reputation for its strong entrepreneurial program, and many alums start their own businesses.
97%of graduates are employed or attending graduate school 6 months after graduation | 30students participate in summer research with professors each year | 64%of students participate in an internship while at Westmont | $111,500median alumni salary with 10+ years experience |
Classic Leadership Training
Students build capacity as leaders by actively collaborating in class, participating in clubs and activities, and pursuing internships and international experiences. Leadership programs equip them with practical skills and confidence so they can build organizations, businesses and communities as Christians leaders, becoming great thinkers with hearts committed to God and dedication to things greater than themselves.
History
In 1937, Ruth Kerr founded a liberal arts college committed to the historic Christian faith. Wallace Emerson, the first president, envisioned an institution that rivaled the best colleges nationwide, and he set the standard for academic rigor and excellence that still applies.
Since its founding, Westmont has produced alumni who live with intelligence, character, and hope.